Day 1 – Port of Miami
As we entered the Port of Miami, our driver didn’t imagine us after we mentioned our ship was at Terminal E. He insisted there was no ship at Terminal E. Belief us, we mentioned.
Positive sufficient, there it was — sandwiched in between two Carnival megaships was Windstar Cruises Star Legend. With a visitor capability of 312 (there are 240 booked for this cruise), it was extra yacht than ship, which occurs to be this cruise line’s calling card.
That is our first time on Windstar, which might be departing Miami on a 10-day “Jungles and Jewels of the Central American Coast.” For us, it was the right solution to spend the Christmas holidays.
Recognized for his or her crusing ships, Star Legend is certainly one of three of Windstar’s motorized yachts, which have been present process a $250 million renovation. The ship was really reduce in half and a brand new midsection inserted that boosted visitor capability by 100, in addition to upgrading staterooms and amenities all through the ship.
After a considerably concerned check-in course of, we discovered our room on Deck 4, the place our baggage was already ready for us. Let’s discuss in regards to the room, which was each properly appointed and laid out.
There was a dwelling space within the middle with a sofa, two chairs and a desk. Together with chilled champagne, there was a wonderful flower association and chocolate-dipped strawberries awaiting our arrival — an exquisite welcome from Windstar.
Now we have a walk-in closet, and the toilet options two sinks and a roomy, glass-walled bathe — very good. There’s a extra storage across the mattress, together with a beneficiant variety of retailers and USB connections. One other factor we actually appreciated had been curtains that shut off the sleeping space.
Like many smaller ships, Star Legend doesn’t characteristic balconies. We had a big window, and a few of the rooms have French doorways, just like a few of the river ships we’ve cruised on. General, it was one of many nicest staterooms we’ve had on a cruise ship.
The subsequent order of enterprise was the necessary muster drill. After watching a security video, we discovered our muster station and went via what to do within the occasion of an emergency. With that out of the best way, it was time for some meals.
Since lunch hours had been over, we ordered room service, after which dived proper into unpacking and organizing ourselves for the subsequent 10 days.
Sailaway was scheduled for 4:30, so we headed topside to discover a drink and a seat. There are indicators of the season all through the ship, with Christmas timber in most of the public areas in addition to shows by the central spiral staircase.
Windstar’s mantra is “180 levels from extraordinary,” striving to create a “pleasant, unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere.” We noticed proof of that instantly, as friends launched themselves and had been keen to start out up conversations. Smiling, pleasant employees members had been fast to supply steerage when wanted.
Because the afternoon bought later, and storm clouds gathered over the Miami skyline, it was clear our departure was delayed, one thing the captain quickly confirmed. There have been paperwork points with the native authorities, so all people simply sit tight. In the meantime, the skies opened up and we bought a kind of tropical downpours Miami is known for.
As we deliberate our night, we thought we might begin within the Compass Rose lounge, on Deck 6 by the boutique store. Darkish and alluring, with its personal bar, the band Again on Traxx was taking part in, so we discovered a desk, ordered some martinis and loved the efficiency. Afterwards, we met the lead singer and we thought she regarded acquainted: She had checked us in after we bought on the ship. On the smaller ships, the crew has to put on numerous hats.
Time to show our consideration to dinner. Star Legend’s principal eating room is the Amphora Restaurant, which is first come, first serve on Deck 3. For extra intimate eating, there’s additionally Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, a James Beard Basis acknowledged chef, specializing in Spanish-inspired dishes, and Candles, each of which require reservations however are included along with your fare.
Karnick, the maître d’ at Amphora, was type sufficient to attain us reservations at Quadro 44, the place we loved a scrumptious cod, poached in olive oil and served in a salsa with manila clams. I adopted that up with an orange-infused creme brulee, whereas Pam tried the Torta de Santiago — “boozy almond cake with sangria fruit whipped nata.” Each the meals and the service had been topnotch.
Because the clock moved towards the ten o’clock hour, we had been nonetheless docked in Miami. Now we had been beginning to fear a bit. Wouldn’t it have an effect on our first port of name, Key West, set for the subsequent morning? Then, simply earlier than 11, we noticed motion. The cruise had formally began.
Now we’ll see what tomorrow brings.
Images – Our stateroom on Deck 4 / A vacation show by the staircase
Day 2 – Key West
Day two of our cruise on Windstar Star Legend, and we’re up early. The solar is shining via our window and the ship is transferring briskly via the waves towards Key West. little doubt making up misplaced time with our late departure from Miami.
Breakfast is being served on the Veranda, an indoor/outside venue aft on Deck 7. Pam secures us an open-air desk and he or she orders Eggs Benedict, her favourite, whereas I’m going with the French toast.
We’re discussing what we wish to do in Key West when the captain comes on for a ship-wide announcement. We be taught Superstar Apex has docked forward of us, and as a consequence of excessive winds and unfavorable situations, the cease at Key West has been scrapped out of an abundance of warning.
Dissatisfied? Sure, however in all probability not as a lot as new associates Leo and Mary. Leo had advised us the evening earlier than he was planning to discover a Key West bar and watch the World Cup finale between Argentina and France. The ship’s restricted dwell TV channels have little to supply sports activities lovers.
So now we’ll have two days at sea whereas we head for our subsequent port of name, Costa Maya, which the captain is hopeful we’ll attain early to provide us additional time there.
After breakfast, I’m tackling some Web connection points whereas Pam explores new areas on the ship. Her quest takes her to the Yacht Membership Cafe and Library, an actual gem positioned on the entrance of the ship on Deck 8.
Providing panoramic views and plush seating, friends can chill out with the espresso or drink of their alternative, swap journey tales or simply benefit from the solitude. All through the day, they serve sandwiches, lights snacks and desserts. Some friends take turns engaged on a big puzzle whereas others learn. For Pam, it’s the right place to don headphones and hearken to her intensive music assortment.
Later, lunch is on the market within the Veranda or the Star Grill, positioned on Deck 8. Whereas there’s a restricted menu, most go for the buffet, which immediately celebrates all meals Greek. Pam goes with the eggplant, whereas I customise a hen gyro on the carving station. The climate is a mixture of clouds and solar, and because the afternoon wears on, overcast skies produce occasional rain showers.
Later, we attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception, held by the pool on Deck 7. As wait employees serve friends wine and champagne, Captain Nick, who calls the UK house, introduces his senior officers. He additionally provides us some excellent news: We’re cleared to dock in Costa Maya at 4 pm tomorrow, which can enable us to in a single day and supply additional time in port after the large ships depart.
The casual type of yachting Windstar is understood for extends to the captain and his senior officers as nicely, who freely flow into among the many friends, answering questions and fascinating in dialog. You notice the expertise actually is “180 levels from extraordinary.”
Dinner tonight is in the principle eating room, Amphora. Maitre d’ Karnick has organized to provide us a sales space, which is way appreciated. Pam begins with certainly one of her favorites — Lobster Bisque — adopted by grilled hen, whereas I’m going with the arancini, a pineapple boat and the duck a l’orange, all splendidly ready.
After dinner we head for the Compass Rose lounge, the place Again on Traxx is doing a set of dance music, adopted by a tribute to The Beatles. For the latter, the band is joined by Leisure Director Gill, who contributes lead guitar and vocals. It evokes quite a few friends to get their dance groove on. Fr us, we really feel like we’ve been dancing all night because the ship rolls from side to side within the waves.
One of many different perks Windstar has supplied us is each day laundry service, which on a 10-day cruise is a Godsend. I despatched out a batch of garments this morning and so they had been returned earlier than 5 pm. Now I’m on a mission to see how we organize to maintain that going after we get again.
Windstar, you’re spoiling us!
Images – Captain Nick on the reception / The Yacht Membership Cafe and Library
Day 3 – Costa Maya
Early morning on day three, and we’re greeted by a blazing crimson sky over Caribbean waters as daybreak begins to interrupt. Windstar’s Star Legend is making its means towards Costa Maya on the Mexican coast, and we at the moment are some 600 miles from our start line, Miami.
On sea days, the main focus is principally on well being and health, with numerous actions centered across the Health Heart, spa and Movement Studio. I take a look-see, however since we aren’t health club rats, we’re content material to observe the puzzle fanatics within the Yacht Membership.
There are different occasions on the schedule, and after a leisurely breakfast on the Veranda, we head for the Lounge on Deck 5, the place Govt Chef Stefan Vasilev is holding a cooking demonstration. Immediately he’ll present us methods to make “Shrimp and Bay Scallop Mascarpone Risotto.”
Assisted by Leisure Supervisor Gill, he makes it look simple as he blends arborio rice, shallots, garlic, shrimp, scallops and a half-dozen different substances into an entree. The viewers is handled to samples and get a duplicate of the recipe. If solely we may get Chef Stefan to make an look in our kitchen, we might be all set.
A short while later, we make our solution to the Compass Rose for a cocktail demonstration. It might be morning, however you realize it’s 5 o’clock someplace, proper?
The bartender prepares three drinks for us to strive, beginning with the legendary Singapore Sling and ending with certainly one of our favorites — the Lemon Drop Martini (with sugar on the rim, naturally). Everybody will get to pattern these as nicely. One takeaway for us: Martinis shouldn’t be shaken for greater than eight seconds (I all the time are likely to go longer, possibly as a result of we similar to the sound of a shaking cocktail).
The demo additionally launched us to a brand new model of gin we haven’t tried: Mermaid. It is available in a number of varieties and the bottles are lovely. Now that’s on our listing as nicely.
Again on the Veranda, immediately’s lunch theme is Mexican, and there’s a taco constructing station the place the chef will create your favourite mixture of flavors. Our open-air desk provides us an ideal view of the ocean, and it’s a wonderful day to dine al fresco, having fun with chips and guacamole. Additionally applicable as we shut in on Costa Maya.
Most friends spend the afternoon enjoyable on loungers within the pool space. It’s a superb day for it, because the commerce winds hold the warmth index down.
Again in our stateroom, we be aware the ship has stopped transferring. Searching the window, we see two giant ships — Carnival Satisfaction and Royal’s Journey of the Seas — beside us. No query about it: Now we have arrived at Costa Maya.
Positioned within the japanese Yucatan, Costa Maya has quickly grown right into a thriving cruise vacation spot, internet hosting hundreds of friends each month. On the finish of the pier, the terminal incorporates a well-developed purchasing space, together with eating places, a saltwater pool and swim-up bars.
Friends are greeted by locals carrying colourful Mayan costumes (picture op, anybody?), and on earlier visits we’ve watched the “excessive flyers” carry out the Mayan ritual of hovering round a 75-foot-high pole. It’s fairly spectacular.
As friends from the opposite ships in port stream again to re-board, we are going to quickly have the retailers all to ourselves. For us, it means getting a desk at one of many eating places and connecting to their WiFi. For all its lovely upgrades, Star Legend’s Web connectivity is marginal at finest.
There’s rather a lot to be mentioned for overnighting at a port. You possibly can transfer at a extra relaxed tempo, uncover extra of what there’s to see and do and escape the warmth after darkness falls. We take our time going again to the ship, then snap some pictures of how lovely the ship appears to be like docked at evening.
Again onboard, we’ve reservations at Candles. By day, that is the Veranda buffet. At evening, it’s reworked into Candles, making a sea of soppy glowing mild on the open-air tables. Sure, romance is within the air.
Since Windstar has partnered with the James Beard Basis, you realize the meals throughout the board is particular. Candles are not any exception. Pam began with the “Prime Chef” Tomato and Watermelon Salad, whereas I had the Roasted Shitake Mushroom Cromesqui. The parts had been excellent.
Whereas many select the high-end steaks for his or her entree, as non-beef eaters we each went with the Grilled Branzino, including a baked potato and onion rings for sides. Paired with certainly one of our favourite wines, the setting was simply as magical because the meals. And the service, as per regular, was impeccable.
After watching the large cruise ships steam away, we headed again to Compass Rose to finish our night listening to Again on Traxx. Afterwards, Leisure Director Gill can be internet hosting “The Marriage Recreation,” the place spouses learn how a lot they actually learn about one another. No, we’re good in that division.
PHOTOS – Chef Vasilev on the cooking demonstration / Star Legend docked at Costa Maya
Day 4 – Costa Maya
It’s day 4 of our 10-day cruise on Windstar Star Legend, and we’ve been docked at Costa Maya on the Yucatan coast since yesterday afternoon.
A glance outdoors our stateroom window reveals we’ve been joined on the dock by a cruise megaship, Norwegian Bliss. Later within the morning, Royal’s even larger ship, the Oasis-class Attract of the Seas, additionally arrives in port. The pier resulting in the terminal is one enormous mass of humanity. The retailers and eating places needs to be thrilled.
The distinction in measurement between Star Legend and Attract is hanging. Our high deck, Deck 8, barely reaches the lifeboats on Attract. However after seeing the throngs of individuals exiting Attract and Bliss, it makes us grateful to be among the many 240 friends on this ship.
Immediately a superb variety of us are on excursions, many to see the Chacchoben Mayan ruins, generally known as “The Place of the Crimson Corn.” Having been right here a number of instances earlier than, we elect to remain onboard and revel in some quiet time, in addition to do some exploring.
Whereas Pam listens to her music within the Yacht Membership, I’m going to Deck 7 and head for the Bridge. Usually, a ship’s Bridge is off-limits to friends, however Windstar has an open-bridge coverage when attainable. The Bridge crew welcomes me in for a fast tour.
Like Captain Nick, most of the Bridge officers are from the UK. As they discuss in regards to the numerous navigation and security programs, I’m invited to seat within the captain’s chair and “take the con.” Cautious to not contact any buttons, I seize of pair of binoculars and scan the horizon for boat visitors (sure, I do know we’re docked, however go together with me). Thanks guys, for making me “captain for a sizzling minute.”
At one finish of the pool deck, up on Deck 8, you’ll discover a colourful wall mural. It’s the work of Alex Nunez, a Cuban-American artist primarily based in Miami who makes a speciality of large-scale works that draw from nature and make the most of daring colours. We discovered from the employees that Ms. Nunez was on Star Legend previous to arriving in Miami to execute the portray, however needed to watch for a particular primer, so she really completed the work the day earlier than we sailed. At some point, she’ll be portray a companion mural on the different finish of the pool.
We even have learn that she likes to typically embody hidden messages in her artwork. In the event you discover it, happy me know. I’ll hold wanting.
Within the afternoon, Leisure Director Gill is internet hosting one other spherical of Trivia in Compass Rose. Whereas not my wheelhouse, I get pleasure from giving it a go. Luckily, one other visitor, Invoice, requested me to companion up. The subject was “geography,” and whereas we didn’t win, we did seize second place. The primary-place winner scored a keychain. Now I don’t really feel so unhealthy.
Later, we attend a session on our subsequent port, Santo Tomas De Castillo, in Guatemala. Whereas we’ve visited this nation as soon as earlier than, it was at a unique location. We’ll be docking at its largest business port, the place a few of us will tour Quirigua, a Mayan website with a UNESCO “Cultural Heritage of Mankind” designation. Others will go to a nature protect, whereas we’ve opted for a Trolley Tour of the realm.
The climate has turned cloudy once more, with on and off showers. It could possibly be we’ll have to pack an umbrella together with our sunscreen simply in case.
PHOTOS – Gerry takes the wheel on the Bridge / A wall mural by Alex Nunez / Cruise ship friends crowd the pier at Costa Maya
Day 5 – Santo Tomas De Castilla
5 days into our cruise on Windstar Star Legend finds us off the coast of Guatemala, getting ready to dock at Santo Tomas De Castilla. It’s sunny, a welcome sight, and the probabilities of rain are 50/50.
One side of our cruise we look ahead to is our each day open-air breakfast within the Veranda, the restaurant on Deck 7. You may get eggs or omelets made to order, serve your self from the buffet or order from a menu. The service, as it’s all through the ship, is great. There’s nothing like a leisurely breakfast at sea.
Immediately we’re signed up for the Trolley City Tour, which can take us via the streets of Puerto Barrios. Our information relates fascinating information in regards to the space, in addition to the tradition and nation as a complete. One factor is clear rapidly: It appears everybody on the town owns a motorbike or scooter.
We go a big facility run by Chiquita, the place dozens of vehicles switch their well-known bananas for cargo all through the world. Shops with vacation decorations line the streets, whereas youngsters come as much as greet us at each cease. The Guatemalan persons are heat, pleasant and alluring.
As a parting present, our information arms out the normal Guatemalan “Fear Dolls,” which, in response to legend, will relieve you of no matter worries you could have by inserting it beneath the pillow while you go to mattress. With every part happening on the earth, I could have to take two, though this cruise is doing a superb job of taking these away.
Different excursions accessible embody visiting Mayan ruins, seeing the San Felipe Fortress (inbuilt 1595) and a nature hike to waterfalls.
Whereas the place we’re docked is an industrial, working port, and in addition the headquarters for the Guatemalan Navy, there’s a “Welcome to Guatemala” terminal the place yow will discover tourism info and distributors promoting native items. After we had been there, a bunch of dancers additionally carried out. Contemplating they don’t get the cruise visitors different ports do, they’ve executed a pleasant job of creating guests really feel welcome.
For lunch within the Veranda, Chef Vipon is providing a customized stir fry. Since it’s beef solely, we go together with a hen burger and fries. It’s noteworthy that after just a few days on the ship, most of the crew will name you by title after they see you — one other good good thing about small-ship cruising.
This afternoon, I’ve organized with the resort supervisor, Christian, to see a few of the ship’s staterooms so I can get an summary of the lodging accessible on Star Legend. Chief Housekeeper Hadi provides me a tour of the premium staterooms aboard. Apart from the proprietor’s suite, the ship’s largest, there are two “Island” suites within the entrance of Deck 5 that characteristic an expanded dwelling space, extra home windows and and upgraded bathtub.
In complete, Star Legend has 156 staterooms, a lot of which had been added within the refit. As beforehand famous, they’re among the many nicest we’ve stayed in and would qualify as suites on most different ships. Hadi additionally identified the stewards onboard handle 10 staterooms, whereas on most cruise traces, they might have accountability for 20 or extra. This permits them to offer extra particular person consideration. On that final level, Davis, our attendant, makes positive we’ve recent ice twice a day, a service we not often expertise on different ships.
Tonight the principle occasion is the Crew Expertise Present within the Lounge on Deck 5, while you get to see the individuals who handle all our wants in a completely completely different mild. Among the many performers is our very personal Davis, who joins his fellow housekeepers from Indonesia to carry out his nation’s conventional hand dances (with the disclaimer they’ve had quarter-hour of rehearsal). They draw giant applause, as do singers, dancers, a magician and a hilarious take-off on synchronized swimming.
If I say “Don’t give up your day jobs” it isn’t as a result of they don’t have expertise — it’s as a result of they’re too good at taking good care of our wants.
As we depart Guatemala, we head for Roatan, Honduras, which Captain Nick tells us is 137 miles away. We must always dock by 8 am tomorrow. Keep tuned.
PHOTOS – The “island Suite” on Star Legend / Our tour information talks about Guatemala / Housekeepers from Indonesia carry out within the expertise present
Day 6 – Roatan
Our cruise on Windstar Star Legend has reached the half-way level on our 10-day vacation Caribbean cruise. Did I say cruise? Windstar calls it “yachting,” and also you’ll discover no argument right here.
With 240 friends onboard, plus 200 crew, it’s nearly a one-to-one ratio, and all of the pampering and a spotlight will certainly spoil you. It truly is what it have to be prefer to sail on a mega yacht.
As we open again our curtains, we see Star Legend is docked at our subsequent port, Roatan, Honduras. Roatan is a big island some 30 miles off the Honduras coast, and residential to just about 100,000 residents. The clear waters that encompass the island home the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and defending this pristine setting is a precedence for the federal government. There may be yet one more ship in port immediately, however Carnival is docked on the island’s different port.
Now we have visited this vacation spot on a number of events, however immediately we’re signed up for a tour we haven’t taken: Huge French Key All Inclusive.
Huge French Key’s an island resort. You attain it through a 30-minute motorcoach journey via slender metropolis streets and the Roatan countryside, after which you board a ferry barge for the five-minute transit to the island.
Our tour information says, “Welcome to paradise,” and nobody in our group would argue the purpose. Sandy white seashores and crystal-clear waters are punctuated by thatched-roof huts and eccentric water sculptures. Friends have their alternative of snorkeling, paddleboarding, taking a ship tour or just enjoyable and doing nothing. Our alternative is the latter, as a result of “how candy to do nothing,” proper?
After choosing two loungers within the shade of a tree, we money in a few of our drink tickets for 2 “Intercourse on the Seashore” cocktails. Let the enjoyable start!
Later, we’re handled to a buffet lunch of genuine Honduran meals, after which I take a brief nature path stroll to admire extra of Huge French Key’s scenic magnificence. That is undoubtedly the sort of place you by no means wish to depart. However depart we should.
Tonight the Star Legend crew has organized a particular deal with for the friends: BBQ beneath the celebs. They’re changing the loungers by the pool with cloth-covered tables full with candlelight. The enormous buffet consists of every part you’ll need: All types of salads and facet dishes, plus hot-off-the-grill brisket, hen, ribs and fish. And for dessert, an infinite apple cobbler with ice cream.
They couldn’t have chosen a extra good evening for it. Skies are clear with a light-weight wind blowing. Within the background, duo D’Concord and the Again on Traxx is offering the leisure. What an ideal ending to the day.
However wait — it’s not over but. After the BBQ, the crew is assembling on the pool deck for a spirited line dance, with many friends rapidly becoming a member of in.
Captain Nick informs us we are going to arrive at our subsequent vacation spot, Belize, by early morning. Time to shut the books to this one.
PHOTOS – The gorgeous waters of Huge French Key, Roatan / The crew does line dancing / Friends are handled to BBQ beneath the celebs
Day 7 – Belize Metropolis
It’s early morning on Day 7 of our “yachting journey” on Windstar Star Legend, and you may already inform immediately goes to be sizzling and sunny as we dock within the waters simply off the coast of Belize.
Friends at breakfast are all speaking about how right here we’re within the sunny climes of the Caribbean whereas thousands and thousands huddle up towards one of many worst winter storms in historical past again house. One way or the other, it doesn’t appear truthful, and we want we may ship this heat their means.
That is our third go to to Belize this 12 months, the one Central American nation the place English is the official language. A former British colony, at one time named British Honduras, it gained its independence in 1981. Like many Central American nations, it has a wealthy Mayan legacy.
Whereas Pam has opted to spend the day enjoyable on Star Legend, I’ve signed up for the “Crystal Cave Tubing with Lunch” tour. This can be my second strive at taking this specific tour. On a earlier go to a month in the past, with a unique cruise line, we aborted the tour after encountering large crowds, bus delays and damaged bogs on the Belize port.
This time round, issues had been a lot smoother from the get-go. Our tour information escorted us to the gangway, the place a young was ready to take us ashore (as a result of the waters close to Belize are shallow, cruise ships should tender their friends over to the Belize Metropolis port) On the port, Windstar personnel are available to information us on to our bus, previous lengthy traces of Carnival friends ready for his or her buses.
Main props to Windstar for the way they handle their tour friends. You may not recognize that except you’ve taken excursions that had been poorly organized and managed.
Our vacation spot is the Jaguar Paw Journey Outpost, just a little over an hour away. Throughout the journey, our tour information, Denise, relates fascinating information about Belize, its historical past, its individuals, tradition, meals and numerous animal life. After arriving on the Nohoch Che’en Archaeological Reserve, we board a second bus — a faculty bus — for the quick, five-minute journey over a steep hill to Jaguar Paw, which has a lush, rain forest setting.
We had been suggested to carry a towel, swimsuit, a change of garments, money/bank cards, sunscreen and bug spray. However I used to be stunned to be taught “no flip flops,” which is what I wore. That meant renting water sneakers ($12), together with a locker for my bag ($10). I additionally didn’t carry bug spray. However after I came upon a can of Off was $15, I made a decision to likelihood it.
Initially, we had been advised lunch can be after the cave tubing. Now we’re advised we’ll have lunch first. So we settle in to a buffet of hen, cole slaw and rice and beans, accompanied by fruit punch.
For the tubing, we go in teams of eight. The primary order of enterprise is getting our gear from our cave tubing information: Life vest, lighted helmet and a lime inexperienced interior tube. Then it’s off via the jungle, up a reasonably steep flight of stone stairs and right down to the mouth of the cave, the place we every in flip slip backward into our tubes. The water is just a little chilly, however you get used to it rapidly.
The cave itself, shaped over thousands and thousands of years, is house to the cenotes prevalent on this a part of the Yucatan. That is the place the Mayans carried out their bloodletting rituals, hoping their gods would grant them rain and prosperity.
Security is paramount on these excursions, and all our tubes are strapped collectively as we proceed into the caverns, pulled alongside by our information. Within the darkness, our helmet lights illuminate lovely rock formations created by Nature over eons of time. Round us we see the twinkling lights of different excursions floating within the distance.
At one level, we exit our tubes and take a short strolling tour, the place our information exhibits us numerous Mayan relics discovered within the cave and particulars their ceremonies. Apparently the Mayans didn’t thoughts just a little ache and struggling to make their gods blissful.
On the finish of the tour, we will “free float” to the exit level or swim within the cenote’s waters, which in locations are 30 to 50 toes deep. Most of us free float, whereas we watch others soar off a ledge into the water beneath. We exit to search out ourselves in a tropical downpour (it’s referred to as a rain forest, proper?). At this level, getting just a little wetter isn’t an enormous deal.
As is usually the case, the rain is short-lived, and shortly sufficient the solar returns. A develop into dry garments and we’re prepared for the bus journey again.
It’s been a full day, and after a bathe, Pam and I’m going to the Yacht Membership the place, over a drink, I regale her with my daredevil adventures of bravery. Effectively, possibly I enhanced it just a bit. And in case you had been questioning — not a single bug chunk, and normally mosquitoes love me.
Later, Captain Nick tells us the climate up forward is considerably unsettled as we head towards our last cease, Cozumel. It appears the identical fronts which are slamming North America are additionally affecting the climate in Mexico. So long as the yacht doesn’t run out of martinis, we’ll be advantageous.
PHOTOS – Cave tubing in Belize and A rainstorm greets us on our means out of the cave
Keep tuned … extra days of ‘yachting’ and extra to the story …
All pictures courtesy Gerry and Pam Barker – Cowl picture Huge French Key, Roatan
10 Night time – Miami to Miami – Windstar Cruises Star Legend (cruisecompete.com)
